NEWARK, N.J. — Michael “The Situation” Sorrentino of “Jersey Shore” reality television fame has admitted in court that he cheated on his income taxes and faces up to five years in prison.

Sorrentino, 36, pleaded guilty today, January 19, to one count of tax evasion, admitting that in 2011 he concealed his taxable income by making cash deposits into bank accounts in amounts of less than $10,000 each so they would not come to the attention of the IRS, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of New Jersey.

His brother, Marc Sorrentino, 38, pleaded guilty to aiding in preparing false tax returns that under-reported his income and faces up to three years in federal prison, the office reported.

Both men, who also can be fined up to $250,000 each, made their pleas before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark. Sentencing is scheduled for April 25.

“What the defendants admitted to today, quite simply, is tantamount to stealing money from their fellow taxpayers,” U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito said. “All of us are required by law to pay our fair share of taxes. Celebrity status does not provide a free pass from this obligation.”

Outside the courthouse following the proceeding, Michael Sorrentino’s attorney, Henry Klingeman, told the media that his client has come to terms with a mistake he made during a tumultuous time in his life. “He deeply regrets his failure to pay taxes and has spent the past several years turning his life positive … he’s grown up as a human being.”

Michael Sorrentino gained fame as a cast member of MTV’s “Jersey Shore,” which dominated reality TV ratings for six seasons. The show followed a group of hard-partying young adults who spent their summers at a beach house in Seaside Heights.

He and his brother, Marc, created businesses, such as MPS Entertainment LLC and Situation Nation Inc., to take advantage of Michael’s celebrity status, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Following his court appearance, Michael Sorrentino, who lists Manalapan as his residence, posted on social media, “Let the fist pumping begin" — an apparent reference to the new MTV reality series by the "Jersey Shore" cast, which is beginning production in South Florida. Sorrentino has the court’s approval to make the trip for the "Family Vacation" reunion show, according to press reports.

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BELMAR, NJ — Ticket sales continue for the Belmar Elementary School PTO's Mega 50/50 Raffle — its largest fundraiser of the year — with the drawing to be held on February 7 at the school’s faculty/student volleyball game.

Last year, the raffle winner took home nearly $5,000. Tickets are priced at $5 each or $30 for a book of 10 tickets.

By
TAPINTO BELMAR/LAKE COMO STAFF AND MONMOUTH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

January 21, 2019

FREEHOLD, NJ — Monmouth County has issued a Code Blue Alert as extremely low temperatures and dangerous wind chill are gripping the region.

Under the alert, which will be in effect through 8 a.m. on Wednesday, January 23, those who need access to a warming center should first contact their local police department. The municipality will then coordinate assistance with the Monmouth County Office ...

BELMAR, NJ — A leading authority on the Beatles will bring to life the musical genius of George Martin, the producer behind the band’s distinctive sound and meteoric success, during a free program on Saturday, January 26 at the Belmar Public Library.

Author Kenneth Womack will present “Sound Pictures: Producing the Beatles with Sir George Martin,” a multimedia, interactive offering in which he ...

BELMAR, NJ — A leading authority on the Beatles will bring to life the musical genius of George ...

BELMAR, NJ — At about 11:41 p.m. tonight, a total eclipse of the moon will be visible, weather permitting. Because the moon will nearly be in perigee — or the closest to the earth in it’s orbit — it will be a “supermoon.”

According to Spaceweather.com, in perigee the moon appears nearly 8 percent wider than the average full moon. Normally, it would also appear about 16 percent brighter, but ...

BELMAR, NJ — At about 11:41 p.m. tonight, a total eclipse of the moon will be visible, weather ...

FREEHOLD, NJ — Monmouth County officials and volunteers will be in four municipalities on Wednesday, January 23 meeting with people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless, and offering them food, clothing and various services.

Individuals without a permanent residence are encouraged to participate in Monmouth County’s 2019 NJ Counts — its annual count of the homeless, formally known as ...

FREEHOLD, NJ — Monmouth County officials and volunteers will be in four municipalities on ...

LAKE COMO, NJ — Mayor Kevin Higgins brought the coffee and some 25 residents their questions to kick off his Saturday morning series of monthly open forums.

A wide-ranging conversation highlighted the 1½-hour informal session held on January 19 at borough hall, as Higgins and residents shared in a dialogue that addressed a variety of issues — from recycling, roads and summer rentals, to the ...

BELMAR/LAKE COMO, NJ — The Jersey Shore will be spared any significant snow as temperatures are expected to rise through tomorrow, but then drop significantly for the coldest conditions of the season, according to the National Weather Service.

Precipitation that will move into the region at about 2 p.m. today may begin as snow, resulting in slippery conditions before it changes over to all ...

BELMAR/LAKE COMO, NJ — The Jersey Shore will be spared any significant snow as temperatures are ...

OCEAN GROVE, NJ — Snow, rain or a little bit of both may be in the forecast this weekend, but it’s always warm, bright and cheerful at Serenity by the Sea, the “little shop of wonders” at 53 Main Avenue.

In addition to making shopping fun with a wide selection of specialty items, handcrafted offerings and one-of-a-kind treasures , the boutique and artisan marketplace is participating in Ocean ...

OCEAN GROVE, NJ — Snow, rain or a little bit of both may be in the forecast this weekend, but it’s ...